Logan Square, one of the original squares of William Penn and home to the spectacular Swann Fountain, designed by Alexander Stirling Calder and Wilson Eyre, is one of Philadelphia’s most iconic open spaces. The recent renovations of the Logan Square landscape strive to respect the original purpose of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway while addressing the 21st Century challenges of automobiles and pedestrians in urban open spaces.

There is power in simplicity, and the simple, flexible space at Sister Cities Garden has transformed the park into a preferred destination for a wide variety of people. Water features, gardens, seating, and a pavilion invite neighbors, families, tourists, and professionals into the space throughout the day. Natural materials, like rocks, water, soil, and plants, support learning and enrichment for children of all ages. In part due to the simplicity of the space and materials used in the garden’s construction, Sister Cities Garden at Logan Square is not only a destination but one of the most active urban parks in Philadelphia.

Building on the success of Sister Cities Garden at Logan Square, Center City District identified a need to increase the amount of space available for play. The new lookout platform, hiding nest, and interactive water elements will all be folded within the current garden footprint, bolstered by twenty-plus new trees and additional native shrub planting. Dropped in the middle of the platform, a giant net opens up the northeast corner for play and offers a new type of experience in the garden.

Team: 

Center City District, Client

DIGSAU, Architect (café)

Studio MB, Architect (net structure)

CVM, Structural

Pennoni, Civil

Studio Ludo, Play consultant